“The overall goal of this course is to engage you in learning about how wildlife management and recreational hunting play a role on the evolving face of conservation.”

The syllabus of the course revolves a great deal around the teachings of Aldo Leopold, considered one of the fathers of modern conservation and game management. Among the many ideas he proposed was a thought of The Land Ethic, or the idea that non-human nature has an ethical significance beyond monetary or political value. Also, he valued the thought of Perceptive Hunting which has to do with our expanded role in the ecosystem and how we participate in it as hunters.

What does all that mean?

Well, that’s why the course is here. And, I will tell you, especially in FL with our current panther and bear and deer issues, this class could not be more timely. I strongly advocate any nature-lover to enroll. I have.

And don’t be mistaken – this is not a Hot-to-Clean-Game tutorial. This is an in-depth look at our wildlife management and conservation structure, how we’ve arrived here, and how hunting plays an integral role. I’d go into more depth, but I’m only through the first week’s lesson.

The class is four weeks long with a new module posted each week. There are video and reading assignments and interactive features to discuss topics with other students around the globe. You may jump in at any time, but interaction with instructors will end on February 22nd. If you complete all of the assignments by March 22nd, you are awarded a Certificate of Achievement upon which time we’ll all get together, throw our mortarboards in the air, and shoot them down like geese.

All jokes aside, do check this out – I’ve already learned quite a bit. And this is material you can use to educate others – non-hunters, children, other hunters – about why what we do is important beyond just filling a freezer, sitting around a campfire, or making TV shows.

About This Blog

Ian Nance is a lifelong resident of Central Florida with a passion for hunting and just about anything related. Associate Member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Check back weekly for hunting stories, news, tips, and wild game recipes. Feel free to leave comments or e-mail topics you would like to see addressed here. Contact at inance880@aol.com or follow on Twitter @good_hunt